During this webcast we'll explore how supply chain execution convergence (SCEC) helps break down the barriers resulting from disparate, fragmented technology solutions allowing you to more effectively serve customers, adapt to changing business cycles, and save both money and resources.

Milan provides regional LTL services in the central and southern regions of the United States. By bringing Milan into the fold, Vitran gains 16 terminals in new markets, including Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

On the heels of President Obama’s recently released proposed fiscal year 2012 budget request, there have been no shortages of opinions regarding the transportation components of the budget, most notably the proposed six-year, $556 billion surface transportation reauthorization proposal.

Retail sales began 2011 on a relatively promising note, according to data released by the United States Department of Commerce and the National Retail Federation (NRF). January retail sales, which include non-general merchandise like automobiles, gasoline, and restaurants, were $381.6 billion for a 0.3 percent increase from December and a 7.8 percent increase over January 2010, according to Commerce.

Another week brought another increase in the price per gallon of diesel, with prices rising 2.1 cents this week to $3.534 per gallon, according to the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA). On an annual basis, diesel prices are up 77.8 cents.

In 2010, easy annual comparisons to a troubled 2009 often paved the way for favorable data trends in the freight transportation sector. Based on recent data in TransCore’s TrendLines report, those comparisons for the trucking sector are still heading in the right direction early into 2011.

Following an impressive 2.4 percent sequential gain in December, the January edition of the Ceridian-UCLA Pulse of Commerce Index (PCI) fell 0.3 percent in January, due, in part to harsh weather conditions throughout much of the United States.